When morning arrived, Angelina was still asleep but woke up when she landed on something firm and soft. When she woke up, there was hay. Fully awake, Angelina looked at her surroundings and noticed she was outside. "What the heck is going on?"
"You're finally awake." Vlad was on his horse, fixing his gloves.
Angelina tried getting up, but her hands and feet were tied, making it complicated. The knots prickled her skin and made her itchy. "Wh-what's happening?"
"We're all returning to my castle in Wallachia. I told you that you were coming with us. Also..." Vlad looked at her amusingly with a hint of annoyance. "You snored like a man last night. I had difficulty sleeping."
Angelina felt her face turn warm. "I-I don't! I-I-I-"
Vlad humorlessly chuckled. "In denial, are you? I was about to wake you and force you to be silent, but then you called out 'Grandma' and 'Grandpa,' and you fell asleep."
"Those were my grandparents. I told you they took care of me more than my Mother." Angelina looked away.
Vlad raised an eyebrow and scoffed. He then commanded his horse to ride before his men. "It is time to leave. We return to Wallachia. Let us march."
Everyone began to move and follow their Voivode. Angelina felt nervous. She didn't know what would happen to her or if she would survive.
Vlad rode ahead of his people as he led them back to his castle. The road was long but calm, but they had another two hours until arrival. He motioned out his hand, and everyone stopped. "We will rest for a moment. Eat, drink, feed the horses, and rest. We will arrive at the castle within two hours." Men and women sighed in relief as many got off their horses and carts or just sat on the floor from walking many miles.
Vlad got off his horse and gave it to one of his men to help feed and water it to prepare for the next part of their journey. He returned to the group, where he saw the cart Angelina was supposed to be in. Angelina slept soundly, giving off quiet-like snores. Vlad stared at her as he lifted one of his eyebrows. "Woman, wake up."
She didn't wake up; she snored in response. Vlad became annoyed. Without warning, he grabbed the back of her clothing and dragged her off the cart, making her fall. "Ow, what the hell!?"
"You snore like a man," he said, removing his gloves." Comfortable, I presume?"
Angelina turned onto her back while looking at Vlad and the sky. "Very. Why did we stop?"
"We are to rest for an hour. We're almost at my castle; I wish to speak with you."
"Umm, I need to pee and poo." Angelina groaned, remembering that she had to speak more fluently. "I need to relieve myself. We've been on the road for hours. I've been holding it in."
"Ah, I see." He then lifted Angelina by her clothes and undid the ropes of her feet. "I will take you."
"Uh, no, that's not necessary. I-"
He pushed her forward. "I wasn't giving you any ultimatum, woman. I can't have you run away. I'm not as merciful as my men here." He motioned her by large trees and put her behind one of them. He stood by the corner of the tree, giving Angelina privacy."
Angelina couldn't believe she was doing her business close with one of the most prolific serial killers in history. While defecating, Angelina slowly turned behind her and saw Vlad's arm by the corner of the tree. "Hey, I'm not done yet!"
Vlad rolled his eyes at the other end of the tree. "I'm not even looking at you, woman. I have etiquette on respecting a woman's virtue. Only if women respect themselves, of course."
"I-I see. Sorry if I say this, but you are known for being cruel. I could have never imagined you being...well...you know...somewhat respectful."
The silence was between them; Vlad stood by the tree with crossed arms. No one ever said that to him. "There are many things you don't know and wouldn't want to know, woman. I am curious about why you came here to my land."
"Well, I came to this country to explore. I love learning, traveling, and meeting new people. Coming here, you know, at this time. Not so much." A fart escaped. "Oops, sorry about that!"
A chuckle escaped his lips. "I can imagine that. It's difficult for me to believe you are not from this time. I still think you are mad."
Angelina sighed in relief. "Well, you have a right to think what you want. I've tried everything possible to convince you. As I said, I know you have a reputation, sir."
"Once we arrive at my castle, I can think of many things I can use you for."
After finishing and cleaning herself with a few napkins from her backpack, she was done. Vlad walked from the corner of the tree and saw her lift her pants. He caught sight of her bottom and private. Vlad said nothing as he went to her and grabbed her tied hands. "We must return. We will soon be on the road and arrive at my palace. There's also something you need to know."
"Which is?"
"My wife can be something else. You will see once you meet her."
Angelina didn't know why, but she couldn't remove the horrible feeling in her stomach.
Vlad and his men kept going forward; it felt like hours for Angelina. The roads were less bumpy, and now they were surrounded by more trees. "We're getting close!" a man yelled. Ahead, a castle-like fortress was up on a rocky, grassy hill with the forest beneath. It dawned on Angelina that she was looking at Bran Castle. She almost forgot that the castle was where Vlad lived while facing the Ottomans.
Everyone arrived at the castle's entrance. The guards standing by the castle's walls announced Vlad and his men's return. The gates were opened, and everyone entered. Everyone was silent before Vlad's presence. Two stable boys who looked to be in their teens went to him. One got the horse reins, while the other put a small stair for Vlad to step on.
Once he got off his horse, a man with puffy black hair and a short mustache stepped forward. The man had facial hair that looked poorly trimmed, making him look older than his actual age. His eyes were a dull brown with bags under his eyes. The man was a bit thin, but his clothes made it seem as if he was of average weight. Angelina felt sorry for the man, who was experiencing another stress level from being with Vlad. The man bowed. "Voivode, you have made a safe return. I presume everything went well?"
"Indeed, Alexandrei. How was everything during my absence?"
"Not too much trouble. Ever since you calmed down the Saxons, there were a few rebels here and there. However, there is no need to fret; they were dealt with accordingly. The biggest threat is the Ottomans, which reminds me. I received another letter from Sultan's council."
Vlad scoffed as Alexandrei gave him the letter. "The scoundrels still ask for tribute. Well, they will soon hear about the slaughter of their men soon enough. How is Minah?"
"She is doing well and is due to give birth any day now. She is in her chambers." Alexandrei then noticed two men walking toward them with another person in tow. "Who is that?"
Vlad turned his head slightly. "Oh, she is a woman that my men found. She was suspected of being with the Ottomans, but she is slowly convincing me she is not. However, I am not finished interrogating her."
"The name is Angelina if you would like to know."
Alexandrei looked at Angelina from head to toe, shocked by her clothing and appearance. "She does look like those savages. Are you certain she is not an enemy?"
"No, I'm American."
Everyone was silent as they watched everything unfold. "What is she speaking of?" Alexandrei slowly walked to Angelina, his eyes never leaving hers. He stood before her even if he looked like a sickly man; the young woman could feel a bit of his intimidation. "Have I asked you to speak, savage?"
Angelina's eyes became wide. "He called me a savage!?" She began to feel angry. "Excuse me?"
"Voivode, it seems that this woman doesn't know her place. I'm surprised you haven't put her head in a spike."
"At least I know how to respect people."
Suddenly, Alexandrei slapped Angelina across the face, and the slap echoed. The slap was painful, and her ear buzzed. However, she bit her lower lip and slowly looked at the man. "Are you done? All you're doing is proving my point. What have I done to you and you?"
"You dare-!?"
Alexandrei was about to slap her again, but Vlad spoke out. "Enough! Take her to the dungeons and ensure she is not given food or water. I will eventually go and speak to her."
Angelina was forcibly taken away, and everyone watched. "The arrogance in her tone! You let her speak to you in that manner!?"
Voivode glared at him, and Alexandrei became silent. "Worry not; she will be punished accordingly. For now, I will visit my wife." Vlad went inside his palace, and Alexandrei followed.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4GiCq11Op
